I would like to talk about the "student" stage as the preliminary step before formal acceptance into the Probationer grade of initiation into the order A.'.A.'. In lieu of creating another thread, I think it would be appropriate to utilize this thread.

While beginning to take on the responsibility of building "a thorough acquaintance" of all the books listed in the Student Grade syllabus, I paused any of my practices to focus in on my studies. I have started a "student journal" to take notes after a study session while keeping in mind that the goal is familiarizing myself with the material rather than having a deep understanding.

As I come across rituals and operations I am tempted to give these experiments a try. An example would be those found in Liber O within Equinox vol 1 no 2. However, I feel like this would cause a kind of ritual compulsion and distract me from studying the material. Is this the right way I should come at this material; like a student who is not yet qualified to perform these operations but study the steps and practices from afar?

I think you are right; I am over thinking it a bit. I want to make sure I come at my official task of study with respect and intensity that I forget to not take things so seriously... What can I say, I was that guy that sat in the front of the class in college